Pico House, Los Angeles

Pico House, constructed in 1870 by Pio Pico, a prosperous businessman who served as the final Mexican Governor of Alta California, was a lavish hotel. It boasted modern amenities like indoor plumbing, gas-lit chandeliers, an impressive double staircase, delicate lace curtains, and even featured a French restaurant. This Italianate-style hotel had three stories and offered 33 rooms, making it the most opulent lodging establishment in Southern California at the time. Its grand opening was celebrated with great enthusiasm.

However, its prominence was short-lived. By 1876, the Southern Pacific Railroad had connected the city to the rest of the country, attracting an influx of new residents and businessmen. Pio Pico's financial difficulties led to him losing ownership of the hotel to the San Francisco Savings and Loan Company. The city's business center gradually shifted southward, and by 1900, Pico House had fallen into disrepair, serving as a simple lodging house.

Eventually, the El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument acquired the building and undertook a comprehensive renovation and restoration project to return it to its former splendor. Today, Pico House stands as a magnificent landmark in El Pueblo, recognized as a California Historical Landmark. It continues to host special exhibits, events, and commercial activities, ensuring its legacy endures.